Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sent a telegram of congratulations to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill on Easter Sunday
The telegram reads:
"Your Holiness,
Please accept my sincere congratulations upon the Easter Sunday.
Easter brings joy and hope, uniting people sharing permanent values and Christian ideals. This Holiday turns us to cultural and religious traditions and to the history of our nation.
The Russian Orthodox Church has been greatly contributing to strengthening the state and uniting the society for centuries. Now, You are working hard to enhance the influense of the Church and to establish a fruitful dialogue with state authorities and representatives of other traditional Churches.
Your personal efforts to unite Orthodox Christians and improve ties with our compatriots abroad deserve to be highly praised.
Your Holiness, I wish You every success in your ministry, health, peace and happiness".
